Hello Friends!  I have to tell ya, I’ve been planning to send out a new newsletter since March, but something always comes up and I continued to put it off.  Here we are in JULY (!) and I still haven’t been able to sit down long enough to put one together.  So…  I thought that I’d try something new! A BLOG!  Heck, why not?  We’re already on Facebook and Twitter, however, not all of our members subscribe to those sites (but if you click on the links above, you can find out how to join us!).  So we’re constantly asking how to keep folks informed without sending out multiple emails that either become a nuisance or end up in “junk mail” folders…. isn’t this the next “natural” step in our entry into what the experts call “social media”?

What can you expect from “Words of the Weim”?  Well, first, I’m going to try to do a weekly blog giving an update of what’s happening, reminder, and a little about the dogs that we’re bringing into AWCR.  I also hope to have a few guest bloggers that will share information about the various teams and functions within Atlanta Weimaraner Club Rescue, general rescue topics, and even a word from our vets about taking care of these beautiful gray dogs!

So, let’s jump in and I’ll tell ya a bit about what’s been happening this week… (btw, it’s not always gonna be this long!)

Holiday weeks are always tough for folks involved in animal rescue efforts.  Most places that we board are not able to keep rescue dogs over the holiday and our vets are full, as well, with their regular customers.  So, in addition to working with the weims that are coming from the shelters, we are usually searching for temporary foster homes for the weimies we have in boarding.  We’ve been lucky this holiday weekend, as we only had 2 weimies in boarding – Enzo and Edison.  Enzo is a 9 year old weim that was surrendered to us from his family who were unable to care for him moving forward.  He’s been staying at Camp Bow Wow Duluth with Jeff Hahn, owner of Camp Bow Wow Duluth, a fellow weim owner and AWCR Member, and his fine staff who always take good care of our gray dogs!  Jeff, one of our “Rescue Heros” will be bringing him home each evening over the holiday weekend!  Edison is a 5-6 year old weim that several folks met at the Animal Rescue Fair (ARF) at Wills Park in Alpharetta.  He’s a big, goofy guy that has been boarding with our friends at Pet’s Playhouse on Ponce in Decatur.  Thanks to Erin & Jared Lace, he’s got a place to rest his head this weekend!

…and speaking of Erin & Jared – We’d like to welcome them back as summer fosters!  Erin & Jared are teachers and volunteer with us to foster in the summer while they are out of school! They started their “foster summer” last week with Max, one of our Weimador pups that was waiting for his foster home!  Thanks for all you help… and it’s only JULY!

Welcome ELLIOTT!  Thanks to AWCR Members, Cheryl & Ron Baer, and the fine folks at Putnam County Animal Control, gorgeous boy, Elliott arrived safely in Atlanta today!  He’s about 3 years old, a bit skinny, but Cheryl says  he’s a very sweet and very smart boy!  He does a sharp sit, down and stay!  Hard to believe that he spent a week at the shelter and no one came to get him!  He is heartworm positive and needs to be neutered, so he’ll spend a few days at the vet… check the website for updates!

The Nastasi family checked in tonight to tell us that MAXIMUS is settling in nicely with their family!  He loves being the center of attention – he’s a weim!  He’ll be starting heartworm treatment soon, so check back for updates on how he’s doing!

We’ve got lots more happening that I’m excited to tell you about…. so check back on Facebook or this site for updates!

Also, tell us what you think about our blog!

All of our rescue dogs must be spayed or neutered. We do not place intact dogs. They must also be micro- chipped, with registration to be updated at time of adoption. Our dogs will be up to date with veterinary needs prior to adoption.

Patience is in order for most of our applicants. An appropriate Weim may or may not be available at this time. Sometimes we get a call for an owner-surrender or we may get a call from a shelter about an available dog. We encourage our owners who surrender to hold onto their dog if possible, while we find the right home for their dog. That is less traumatic for the dog. The dogs that come from shelters are usually fostered for a period of time, for assessment, and for necessary vetting to be done. We may not get a call for two or three weeks, then we may get two or three dogs in one week. It is unpredictable. If a specific age or gender is preferred, your wait might be longer.

We do not adopt dogs to families on a “first-come-first-serve” basis. We strive to make the best match possible between dog and adoptive family, and not every family is appropriate for every dog. Examples: Some dogs are fine with busy, small children, and others are not. Some dogs are fine with cats, others are not. Some dogs are fine with other dogs, some are not.

When we place a dog in its new adoptive home, there is a 2 week probation period for both the dog and the new family. If everything goes well, after the 2 week probation time we will finalize the adoption. Our adoption contract is thorough and binding. This contract states that at ANY TIME during the life of the dog, REGARDLESS OF REASON, if the new owner cannot keep the dog or take care of it, the dog MUST be returned to our rescue.

Generally our rescues do not have problems. More often the problems are with the owner, or the owner’s circumstances. We do sometimes have rescues that come to us with issues. Few issues are difficult, rarely are they insurmountable. Patience and knowledge is always in order. It is strongly recommended that if you do not already know the Weimaraner breed that you take the time to become educated. We can help you with that. It is also extremely important that you know the general needs and temperament of hunting breeds. The Weimaraner is NOT the breed for everyone!

Rescue is a time-consuming, costly venture. Our rescue program is run by volunteers. We do charge an adoption fee to cover expenses related to getting a dog ready for its new family. The adoption fee is stated on the application. We depend on adoption fees, donations, and fundraisers to keep our rescue program going.

The Weims in our rescue program will have a complete file at time of adoption, with medical records, microchip records, necessary contact information and a contract.

We in Weimaraner Rescue love to have updates and photos, we want to stay in touch with our dogs and their families. We are available to answer questions, offer advice when needed, and provide information. We have resources for many dog owner subjects, including nail trimming, obedience training, reputable veterinarians in our areas, and activities well suited for Weims and their families.

Always remember, getting a dog is a 10-15 year commitment!

Appearance

This breed’s short and very smooth gray coat and its unusual eyes give it a regal appearance different from any other breed. The eyes of the Weimaraner may be light amber, gray, or blue-gray. The coat may range from charcoal-blue to mouse-gray to silver-gray. This coloring has also lead to the breed the nickname ‘silver ghost’ or ‘gray ghost.’ The coat is extremely low maintenance; it is short, hard, and smooth to the touch.

According to the AKC standard, the male Weimaraner stands between 25 and 27 inches (63-68 cm) at the withers.

Females are between 23 and 25 inches (58-63 cm). Of course, there are many dogs taller or shorter than the breed standard. The breed is not heavy for its height, and males normally weigh roughly 70-85 pounds. Females are generally between 55-70 lbs(25-32kgs). A Weimaraner carries its weight proudly and gives the appearance of a muscular, athletic dog.

Temperment

The Weimaraner Standard describes the breed temperament as friendly, fearless, alert, and obedient, but this is but the half of its personality. Assertive, bold, loyal, and headstrong also fit, giving the dog a loving attitude with a willingness to take the upper paw in the family if the opportunity presents itself.

Like most large hunting breeds, the Weimaraner needs lots of exercise and must be kept in a fenced yard to prevent him from ranging in search of game. Because he was developed as a hunting dog and still maintains those instincts, he may be dangerous to birds and small mammals. Unlike many hunting breeds, however, the Weimaraner is definitely a house dog that loves to be with people and does poorly if confined to a kennel a majority of the time.

This is a breed that needs obedience training to control his rambunctious nature. Owners should have a crate for a new puppy to help in housetraining and to protect furniture and woodwork from puppy teeth when the little rascal cannot be watched. Training classes or control exercises at home are essential for the Weimaraner the moment he enters the family. He must be taught that all members of the family are to be obeyed. Training methods must be gentle and firm, for harsh treatment will sour his attitude.